Athletic chair with adjustable heating and height

ABSTRACT

A seating assembly for athletes includes seats having a back and seat portion, a base, an adjustable element, a user interface device, and a controller. The back portion includes a back heating member that provides heat to a user&#39;s torso. The seat portion includes a lower limb heating member that provides heat to the user&#39;s lower limbs. The base supports each seat. The adjustable element is coupled to the base and one of the seats and adjusts height of the seat. The user interface device receives an input regarding a desired temperature of the back heating member and the lower limb heating member. The controller receives the input and adjusts an operation of the back heating member and the lower limb heating member to achieve the desired temperature. The user interface device receives a second input to adjust the a height of the seat relative to the floor surface.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application No. 62/805,815, filed Feb. 14, 2019, the entiredisclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

During sporting events, athletes often rest on chairs, benches, orseats. Many of these seating arrangements which the athletes rest oncause the players lower limbs to be put into a position which restrictsvenous blood flow, thereby hindering athletic performance. This may beparticularly relevant for basketball players who are on average muchtaller than the average person.

SUMMARY

One implementation of the present disclosure is a seating assembly forone or more athletes, according to some embodiments. The seatingassembly includes one or more seats. Each seat includes a back portion,a seat portion, a base, an adjustable element, a user interface device,and a controller. The back portion includes a back heating memberconfigured to provide heat to a torso of a user. The seat portionincludes a lower limb heating member configured to provide heat to lowerlimbs of the user. The base is configured to support each of the one ormore seats. The adjustable element is coupled to the base at one end andcoupled to one of the seats at an opposite end and configured to adjusta height of the seat relative to a floor surface. The user interfacedevice is configured to receive an input regarding a desired temperatureof at least one of the back heating member and the lower limb heatingmember. The controller is configured to receive the input and adjust anoperation of at least one of the back heating member and the lower limbheating member to achieve the desired temperature. The user interfacedevice is further configured to receive a second input to adjust theheight of the seat relative to the floor surface.

In some embodiments, the back portion and the seat portion of each ofthe one or more seats form an angle greater than ninety degrees tofacilitate venous blood flow to lower limbs of the user.

In some embodiments, the angle formed by the back portion and the seatportion is between 110 and 120 degrees.

In some embodiments, the heat provided to the torso and the heatprovided to lower limbs are each provided at a temperature value between38 and 45 degrees Celsius to facilitate venous blood flow of at leastone of the torso and the lower limbs of the user and to facilitatemaintaining a specific muscle temperature of the user.

In some embodiments, the back heating member and the lower limb heatingmember are configured to operate according to a maximum heating mode ofoperation, a medium heating mode of operation, and a low heating mode ofoperation.

In some embodiments, the back heating member is positioned within acushion of the back portion and the seat heating member is positionedwithin a cushion of the seat portion.

In some embodiments, each seat is configured to increase in heightrelative to a floor surface at least ten inches to facilitate apopliteal height of at least 18 inches of a user.

In some embodiments, the adjustable element includes a prime moverconfigured to adjust the height of the seat relative to the floorsurface. In some embodiments, the prime mover is any of an electricmotor or a hydraulic system.

Another implementation of the present disclosure is a seating assemblyfor one or more athletes, according to some embodiments. The seatingassembly includes multiple seats and a base. Each seat includes a backportion, a seat portion, and a controller. The back portion includes aback cushion and a back heating element positioned within the backcushion. The back heating element and the back cushion are configured totransfer heat to a torso of a user. The seat portion includes a seatcushion and a seat heating element positioned within the seat cushion.The seat heating element and the seat cushion are configured to transferheat to lower limbs of the user. The controller is configured to receivean input regarding a desired temperature of at least one of the backheating element and the seat heating element and further configured tooperate the back heating element and the seat heating elements. A heightof each seat is adjustable to maintain a popliteal height of at least 18inches of the user. The base is fixedly coupled with an adjustablesupport member of each of the multiple seats.

In some embodiments, the back heating element and the seat heatingelement are configured to operate according to a maximum heating mode ofoperation, a medium heating mode of operation, and a low heating mode ofoperation.

In some embodiments, each seat is configured to adjust in height atleast 10 inches between a minimum height and a maximum height.

In some embodiments, the base further includes multiple openingsconfigured to receive one or more elongated members of a transportationmechanism for movement of the seating assembly.

In some embodiments, the back portion and the seat portion of each seatform an angle greater than ninety degrees to facilitate venous bloodflow to the lower limbs of the user.

In some embodiments, the angle is between 110 and 120 degrees.

In some embodiments, the back heating element is configured to heat thetorso of the user to a temperature between 38 and 45 degrees Celsius tofacilitate venous blood flow to the torso of the user and the seatheating element is configured to heat the lower limbs of the user to atemperature between 38 and 45 degrees Celsius to facilitate venous bloodflow to the lower limbs of the user.

Another implementation of the present disclosure is a method forinstalling and operating a seating assembly with adjustable heating andadjustable height, according to some embodiments. The method includesproviding a seating assembly having multiple seats. Each seat isconfigured to provide adjustable heating and adjustable height for auser. The method includes positioning the seating assembly in a desiredlocation. The method also includes connecting the seating assembly to apower source for the adjustable heating and the adjustable height ofeach of the multiple seats. The method also includes receiving a commandof an adjustment of height and heat from a user interface of at leastone of the multiple seats. The method also includes adjusting an amountof heat provided to the user via one or more heating pads disposedwithin a back portion and a seat portion of the seat of one of themultiple seats based on the received heat command. The method alsoincludes adjusting a height of at least one of the seats based on thereceived height command. In some embodiments, adjusting the height ofthe seat includes increasing a distance between the seat portion and afloor surface between a minimum value of the distance and a maximumvalue of the distance.

In some embodiments, the back portion and the seat portion of each ofthe multiple seats form an angle greater than ninety degrees.

In some embodiments, the angle formed by the back portion and the seatportion is between 110 and 120 degrees to improve venous blood flow tolower limbs of the user.

In some embodiments, the heat provided to the user is provided to heatat least one of the torso and the lower limbs of the user to atemperature between 38 and 45 degrees Celsius to facilitate venous bloodflow.

In some embodiments, the method further includes inserting one or morefork members into one or more apertures of a base of the seatingassembly, and lifting the seating assembly via the one or more forkmembers inserted into the one or more apertures of the base of theseating assembly for removal and placement of the seating assembly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front view of a seating assembly, according to an exemplaryembodiment.

FIG. 2 is side view of the seating assembly of FIG. 1, according to anexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a top view of the seating assembly of FIG. 1, according to anexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a diagram of a user transporting the seating assembly of FIG.1, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a diagram of multiple users transporting the seating assemblyof FIG. 1, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a graph illustrating a relationship between venous blood flowand incline/decline of a seated individual, according to an exemplaryembodiment.

FIG. 7 is a diagram of a seated person, demonstrating a definition ofvarious angles and popliteal height, according to an exemplaryembodiment,

FIG. 8 is graph of test results for improvement of a shuttle run aftertest individuals were seated in the seating assembly of FIG. 1, ascompared to a control seating assembly, according to an exemplaryembodiment.

FIG. 9 is graph of test results for improvement of an average verticaljump height after test individuals were seated in the seating assemblyof FIG. 1, as compared to a control seating assembly, according to anexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 10 is graph of test results for improvement of skin temperatureafter test individuals were seated in the seating assembly of FIG. 1, ascompared to a control seating assembly, according to an exemplaryembodiment.

FIG. 11 is graph of test results for improvement of heart rate aftertest individuals were seated in the seating assembly of FIG. 1, ascompared to a control seating assembly, according to an exemplaryembodiment.

FIG. 12 is graph of average test results of the graphs of FIGS. 8-11,according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a top view of a seat cushion of the seating assembly of FIG.1, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a seat cushion of the seating assemblyof FIG. 1, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a top view of a back cushion of the seating assembly of FIG.1, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a back cushion of the seating assemblyof FIG. 1, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of foam pieces of a back cushion of theseating assembly of FIG. 1, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of foam pieces of a back cushion of theseating assembly of FIG. 1 adhered to a seat back, according to anexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a base frame of the seating assembly ofFIG. 1, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 20 is a top view of a base frame of the seating assembly of FIG. 1,according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 21 is a front view of a base frame of the seating assembly of FIG.1, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 22 is a side view of a seat frame of the seating assembly of FIG.1, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a seat frame of the seating assembly ofFIG. 1, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 24 is a front view diagram of heating elements of a seating of theseat assembly of FIG. 1, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 25 is a bottom view diagram of a seat of the seating assembly ofFIG. 1, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of a control panel of a seat of theseating assembly of FIG. 1, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 27 is a graph illustrating the operation of the heating elements ofthe seating assembly of FIG. 1, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 28 is a schematic illustrating an electrical system of the heatingelements of the seating assembly of FIG. 1, according to an exemplaryembodiment.

FIG. 29 is a schematic illustrating an electrical system of the heatingelements of the seating assembly of FIG. 1, according to an exemplaryembodiment.

FIG. 30 is a block diagram of a controller of the seating assembly ofFIG. 1, according to an exemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before turning to the figures, which illustrate the exemplaryembodiments in detail, it should be understood that the presentdisclosure is not limited to the details or methodology set forth in thedescription or illustrated in the figures. It should also be understoodthat the terminology used herein is for the purpose of description onlyand should not be regarded as limiting.

Overview

Referring generally to the FIGURES, an adjustable heating and adjustableheight seating assembly for athletes is shown, according to an exemplaryembodiment. The heatable seating assembly may include heating padsconfigured to deliver heat to the athlete's torso and lower limbs. Theheating pads may be independently controlled so that different amountsof heat are provided to the athlete's torso and lower limbs or may beoperated to provide a same amount of heating to the user's torso andlower limbs. The heat provided to the athlete's torso and lower limbsmay be individually manually adjusted by the athletes (e.g., via a userinput, pressing a button, turning a dial, etc.). Additionally, each seatof the seating assembly may include individual controls for adjustingeither one of or both the heat provided to the torso and lower limbs.Each seat of the seating assembly also includes height adjustment. Theathletes may individually adjust the height of each seat, therebyachieving a height (e.g., popliteal height) that does not restrictvenous blood flow. Additionally, the heat provided to the torso andlower limbs of the athletes can improve venous blood flow. Improvingvenous blood flow of the athletes can advantageously improve athleticperformance.

Seating Assembly

Referring now to FIGS. 1-5, a chair assembly (e.g., a seatingarrangement, a seating assembly, a bench, etc.), shown as seatingassembly 100 is shown, according to an exemplary embodiment. Seatingassembly 100 is configured to provide one or more individuals (e.g.,persons, athletes, basketball players, etc.), with one or more surfacesto sit upon. Seating assembly 100 includes a base (e.g., a base, aframe, a structure, a block, etc.) shown as base 108, one or more seats(e.g., chairs), shown as seats 102, and one or more adjustable pillars(e.g., telescoping pillars, pedestals, shafts, upright members, bars,etc.), shown as adjustable support members 110. Base 108 rests upon afloor surface (e.g., a basketball court, a ground surface, a floor,etc.), shown as floor 158. In some embodiments, base 108 rests uponfloor 158 and is removably (e.g., via fasteners) coupled to floor 158.In some embodiments, base 108 is fixed relative to floor 158. In otherembodiments, base 108 rests upon floor 158 and frictional forces betweena bottom surface of base 108 and floor 158 prevent seating assembly 100from moving (e.g., translating, rotating) along floor 158. Seatingassembly 100 includes a front side 192, a rear or back side 190, a leftside 184, a right side 186, a top side 182, and a bottom side 188. In anexemplary embodiment, seating assembly 100 includes five seats 102.Seating assembly 100 may include more or less than five seats 102,according to other embodiments. As shown in FIG. 3, seats 102 may bealigned on base 108 (e.g., in a line). Seats 102 may also be positionedon base 108 directly adjacent each other so that adjacent or neighboringseats 102 abut, contact, etc., each other.

Seating assembly 100 has an overall length 120, according to anexemplary embodiment. Length 120 may be measured between outermostsurfaces of seat 102 a and seat 102 e, according to an exemplaryembodiment. Length 120 may be 2500 mm, according to some embodiments.Each of seats 102 a-102 e are disposed distance 122 apart. Distance 122may be defined as a distance between central axis 126 of a first seat(e.g., seat 102 a) and a central axis 126 of an adjacent seat (e.g.,seat 102 b). Distance 122 may be 500 mm, according to some embodiments.Seats 102 a-102 e are positioned adjacent each other such that there areno gaps between adjacent seat portions 106, according to someembodiments. Advantageously, this reduces the likelihood of fingerentrapment between adjacent seats 102. Since seats 102 are adjacent eachother, an overall width of each seat 102 is substantially equal todistance 122 (e.g., 500 mm). In some embodiments, length 120 is definedbetween axis 124 a and axis 124 b, where axis 124 a is a vertical axiswhich intersects a right most surface of seating assembly 100 and axis124 b is a vertical axis which intersects a left most surface of seatingassembly 100.

Base 108 is coupled to each of adjustable support members 110 of seats102. Adjustable support members 110 may be rotationally fixed relativeto base 108, such that seats 102 cannot rotate relative to base 108.Adjustable support members 110 protrude outwards from base 108 towardstop side 182 of seating assembly 100. Adjustable support members 110 mayprotrude a distance into an aperture of base 108 (i.e., towards bottomside 188) to provide support for seats 102. In some embodiments,adjustable support members 110 are coupled (e.g., fixedly, removably,connected via fasteners, etc.) to base 108. Seats 102 are coupled (e.g.,removably coupled, fixedly connected, mounted, etc.) to adjustablesupport members 110. Therefore, as adjustable support members 110increase or decrease in height, seats 102 are raised or lowered relativeto floor 158.

Adjustable support members 110 are configured to adjust a height ofseats 102. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, there is a distance 168between an upper surface of base 108 and a bottom surface of seat 102 e.The adjustable support member 110 of seat 102 e is configured toincrease or decrease distance 168. In some embodiments adjustablesupport members 110 are telescoping pedestals, configured to increase inlength and decrease in length, thereby increasing or decreasing distance168. In an exemplary embodiment, each of seats 102 a-102 e have acorresponding adjustable support member 110. Each adjustable supportmember 110 of seats 102 a-102 e is configured to independently operateto adjust distance 168 of a corresponding seat 102, according to anexemplary embodiment. For example, adjustable support member 110 of seat102 a may be operated such that distance 168 of seat 102 a relative tobase 108 is ten inches, while adjustable support member 110 of seat 102b may be operated such that distance 168 of seat 102 b relative to base108 is eight inches. In this way, seats 102 may be raised or loweredindependently of each other. Each of seats 102 a-102 e includes acontrol panel (e.g., a user interface, an input device, a controldevice, buttons, switches, levers, etc.), shown as adjustment interface118. Adjustment interfaces 118 are each configured to adjust anoperation of a corresponding adjustable support member 110. Adjustmentinterfaces 118 may include any number of buttons, switches, levers,dials, digital input devices, etc., configured to receive a user inputand adjust an operation (e.g., a height) of a corresponding adjustablesupport member 110.

Base 108 has overall length 132, according to an exemplary embodiment.In some embodiments, length 132 of base 108 is less than overall length120 of seats 102 a-102 e. In some embodiments, length 132 of base 108 issubstantially equal to length 120 of seats 102 a-102 e. In someembodiments, length 132 of base 108 is greater than length 120 of seats102 a-102 e. Base 108 includes horizontal central axis 136 extendingthrough a centerpoint of base 108. Central axis 136 may be defined asbeing positioned at a center of length 132, according to someembodiments. In some embodiments, central axis 136 is defined as beingdistance 134 from a right-most surface of base 108 and distance 134 froma left-most surface of base 108. In some embodiments, each of seats 102a-102 e include a corresponding central axis 126. Central axis 136 ofbase 108 is substantially collinear with central axis 126 of the centralseat 102 c. Base 108 defines one or more sets of apertures, holes,channels, through-holes, hollow portions, cavities, indentations, etc.,shown as openings 112. Openings 112 include a first aperture 114 and asecond aperture 116. In some embodiments, openings 112 are configured tofacilitate transportation of seating assembly 100 by providing openingsfor one or more forks (e.g., forks of a pallet jack, forks of aforklift, etc.) which may be inserted into openings 112, as shown inFIGS. 4-5.

As shown in FIG. 1, base 108 includes a first set of openings, openings112 a, and a second set of openings, shown as openings 112 b, accordingto an exemplary embodiment. Openings 112 a and openings 112 b are evenlyspaced a distance 138 in opposite directions relative to central axis136 of base 108. First aperture 114 and second aperture 116 of openings112 a/112 b are disposed distance 130 apart, according to an exemplaryembodiment. In some embodiments, distance 130 is substantially equal toa distance between forks of a floor jack, thereby facilitatingtransportation of seating assembly 100. In some embodiments, only oneset of apertures 114/116 is defined by base 108. In some embodiments,aperture 114 and aperture 116 are spaced equally along a length of base108 in opposite directions relative to central axis 136 of base 108. Insome embodiments, openings 112 a and openings 112 b extend through anentire width 140 of base 108. In other embodiments, openings 112 a andopenings 112 b extend partially through base 108.

As shown in diagrams 400 and 500 of FIGS. 4 and 5, openings 112 areconfigured to receive forks 404 of one or more transportation mechanisms402 (e.g., a fork lift, a pallet jack), according to an exemplaryembodiment. In some embodiments, a transport user may insert forks 404into openings 112 from either back side 190 of seating assembly 100 orfrom front side 192 of seating assembly 100. In some embodiments, forks404 can be inserted through the entire width 140 of base 108 (e.g., ifopenings 112 extend through the entire width 140 of base 108). In someembodiments, multiple transportation users may each simultaneouslyinsert forks 404 into openings 112 a and openings 112 b fortransportation of seating assembly 100. If seating assembly 100 is usedat a sporting event (e.g., at a sporting arena), seating assembly 100may need to be transported regularly for various events. Advantageously,openings 112 facilitate easy transportation of seating assembly 100.

Base 108 includes one or more screens (e.g., LCD screens, LED screens,display screens, frames for posters, etc.), shown as screens 162,according to an exemplary embodiment. In some embodiments, screen 162are evenly spaced along a length of base 108. In some embodiments,screens 162 extend substantially an entire length of base 108. Screens162 can display advertisements, athlete/player names, graphics, textualinformation, etc. Screens 162 may extend along substantially an entirelength of base 108, or may be intermittently spaced along base 108.Screens 162 can receive a display signal or other electrical signal thatprovides information for graphics, scrolling imagery, scrolling text,etc. Screens 162 may use the display signal to provide the graphical,scrolling imagery, scrolling text, etc. In some embodiments, screens 162also receive a synchronization signal so that imagery, graphics, or textthat is displayed on screens 162 is synchronized with other displayscreens or advertisements in an environment (e.g., a sporting arena, abuilding, etc.) where seating assembly 100 is located. In someembodiments, multiple seating assemblies 100 are positioned adjacent,proximate, or next to each other. The graphics, imagery, text data,etc., that is displayed by screen(s) 162 across one of seatingassemblies 100 may be synchronized with other graphics, imagery, textdata, etc., that is displayed by screen(s) 162 across another one ofseating assemblies 100. For example, if multiple seating assemblies 100are positioned next to each other, a scrolling message, graphic, text,advertisement, etc., may continuously scroll across screen(s) 162 ofmultiple seating assemblies 100.

Each of seats 102 a-102 e include a top side 174, a bottom side 176, arear side 172, a front side 170, a left side 180, and a right side 178,according to an exemplary embodiment. Each of seats 102 a-102 e includea back portion 104 and a seat portion 106. Back portion 104 includescentral axis 148 extending along substantially an entire length of backportion 104. In some embodiments, central axis 148 is an averagecenterline of back portion 104. Seat portion 106 includes central axis150 extending substantially an entire length of seat portion 106. Insome embodiments, central axis 150 is an average centerline of seatportion 106. In some embodiment, central axis 150 is an averagecenterline of seat portion 106 extending along an entire length of seatportion 106. Central axis 148 and central axis 150 intersect atintersection point 160. In some embodiments, seats 102 are configured torotate about intersection point 160 (e.g., to recline). Central axis 148and central axis 150 define angle 152. Angle 152 represents an angle ofa user's back which may be adjacent back portion 104 relative to theuser's thighs which may be adjacent seat portion 106. In an exemplaryembodiment, angle 152 defines an angle of a user's trunk/torso relativeto the user's thighs. In some embodiments, angle 152 is greater than 90degrees. In some embodiments, angle 152 is any value between 93 and 120degrees. In some embodiments, angle 152 is any value between 110 degreesand 130 degrees. If angle 152 is any value between 110 and 130 degrees,both lumbar disc pressure and back muscle activity of the user isdecreased. In some embodiments, angle 152 is such that seats 102facilitate an angle of 93 to 120 degrees or 110 degrees to 130 degreesbetween the torso and the thigh of the one or more users while the oneor more users are seated upon seats 102.

In some embodiments, back portion 104 rotates relative to seat portion106 about intersection point 160. In some embodiments, back portion 104rotates relative to seat portion 106 in response to a force exerted by auser. In some embodiments, a torsional spring is used at intersectionpoint 160 to prevent excessive rotation of back portion 104. In someembodiments, as back portion 104 rotates relative to seat portion 106,angle 152 changes. In some embodiments, angle 152 between back portion104 and seat portion 106 is fixed at a bottom threshold such that angle152 may be greater than 90 degrees but is not less than 90 degrees. Insome embodiments, both back portion 104 and seat portion 106 rotateabout intersection point 160 in response to a force exerted by the user.

Seat portion 106 may include a seat pan 109, according to an exemplaryembodiment. Seat pan 109 may be formed from a plastic, a foam, etc. Insome embodiments, seat pan 109 is integrally formed with seat portion106. Seat pan 109 is configured to facilitate the user's back beingagainst (e.g., in contact with) back portion 104 while seated in seat102.

Back portion 104 may include lumbar support 194, according to anexemplary embodiment. Lumbar support 194 may be any of one or morecushions of back portion 104, or may be a result of a profile of backportion 104. Lumbar support 194 is configured to provide support tolumbar vertebrae of the user, to facilitate proper posture of the user.Lumbar support 194 is adjustable, according to some embodiments. In anexemplary embodiment, lumbar support 194 is non-adjustable.

Referring now to FIGS. 6-7, graph 600 and diagram 700 show effects ofangle 152/angle 708 (also referred to as θ) on venous blood flow tolower limbs of a user, according to some embodiments. Graph 600 includesseries 602 which indicates test users breathing deeply, and series 604which indicates test users breathing normally. For example, series 602may indicate venous blood flow for users who were previously exercising(e.g., playing a sport). Graph 600 shows venous blood flow forincreasing θ. As θ increases from 90 degrees (upright) to reclining(greater than 90 degrees), venous blood flow to the users lower limbsincreases (series 604). However, the increase for users breathing deeply(series 602) is more drastic compared to the increase for usersbreathing normally. As users stretch (e.g., θ increases further), venousblood flow to lower limbs increases. Similarly to the change of θ from90 degrees to greater than 90 degrees, the increase in venous blood flowfor users breathing deeply (series 602) is greater than the increasedvenous blood flow for users breathing normally (series 604) as the usersstretch (e.g., θ increases further).

As shown in FIG. 7, diagram 700 shows a user 702 seated. Angle 708between centerline 704 of torso 706 and centerline 720 of thigh 710(e.g., θ or a result of θ) is approximately 90 degrees. Likewise, angle714 between centerline 720 of thigh 710 and centerline 718 of lower leg712 (e.g., ϕ) is approximately 90 degrees. In some embodiments, as angle708 (θ) increases, venous blood flow to lower limbs (i.e., thigh 710 andlower leg 712) increases, as shown in graph 600 of FIG. 6. Likewise, ifangle 714 (ϕ) is less than 90 degrees, venous blood flow to lower leg712 may be restricted. In some embodiments, popliteal height 716determines angle 714. For example, if popliteal height 716 is verysmall, angle 714 and angle 708 may decrease, thereby restricting venousblood flow of user 702. In some embodiments, popliteal height 716 is avertical distance between floor 724 and the crease behind knee 722 ofuser 702. Adjusting popliteal height 716 can be used to adjust angle714, thereby increasing venous blood flow to lower limbs.

Referring again to FIGS. 1-5, each of adjustable support members 110 areconfigured to increase or decrease in height to adjust popliteal height716 of each user, according to an exemplary embodiment. As shown in FIG.2, distance 144 is a vertical distance between an upper and outersurface of seat portion 106 and floor 158. In some embodiments, distance144 is or is correlated to popliteal height 716. As adjustable supportmember 110 increases or decreases in height (e.g., extends or retracts),distance 144 increases or decreases, thereby adjusting popliteal height716 of the user. Adjustable support member 110 can be used to increaseor decrease such that popliteal height 716 of the user is adjusted.Advantageously, a proper popliteal height 716 increases venous bloodflow to lower limbs of the user.

Each seat 102 is also shown having a height 142 from floor 158,according to an exemplary embodiment. In some embodiments, height 142 isa vertical distance between floor 158 and an upper point (e.g., uppermost surface) of seat 102. Height 142 may be 1011 mm. Each seat 102 isalso shown having an overall depth 146. Depth 146 may be defined as ahorizontal distance (e.g., parallel to floor 158) between a rear-mostsurface of seat 102 and a front-most surface of seat 102. Depth 146 maybe 685 mm.

Referring still to FIGS. 1-5, each back portion 104 of seats 102 a-102 eincludes a pair of heating pads 156 (e.g., heaters, heating elements,etc.), according to an exemplary embodiment. In some embodiments,heating pads 156 are resistive heating elements. Heating pads 156 mayreceive energy (e.g., electricity) from a power source, and dissipateheat through back portion 104. In some embodiments, heating pads 156 arepositioned within back portion 104. Heating pads 156 are configured todissipate heat through back portion 104. In some embodiments, heatingpads 156 dissipate heat such that a surface temperature of back portion104 is approximately 110 degrees Fahrenheit or between 110 and 100degrees Fahrenheit (a high heating mode). In some embodiments, heatingpads 156 and/or heating pads 164 dissipate heat at 40 degrees Celsius or106 degrees Fahrenheit. In some embodiments, heating pads 156 and/orheating pads 154 dissipate heat at any value between 38 and 45 degreesCelsius. In some embodiments, heating pads 156 and/or heating pads 154dissipating heat at a value between 38 and 45 degrees Celsiusfacilitates maintaining muscle temperature of a user and facilitatesincreased blood flow. Advantageously, maintaining muscle temperature andfacilitating increased blood flow may improve athletic performance ofthe user. In some embodiments, heating pads 156 dissipate heat such thata surface temperature of back portion 104 is between 85 and 100 degreesFahrenheit (a medium heating mode). In some embodiments, heating pads156 dissipate heat such that a surface temperature of back portion 104is between 75 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit (a low heating mode).Advantageously, as a user sits on seat 102, heat dissipated by heatingpads 156 is absorbed by the torso (e.g., torso 706) of the user. Thisfacilitates venous blood flow of the user at heated regions of the user.In some embodiments, heating pads 156 extend through substantially anentire length of back portion 104. In some embodiments, only one heatingpad 156 is configured to dissipate heat through back portion 104.

Heating pads 154 and heating pads 156 may be operated independently ofeach other, or independently across seats 102. For example, a first seatmay provide heat at a first rate through heating pads 154 and heatingpads 156, while a second seat may provide heat at a second rate throughheating pads 154 and heating pads 156. In some embodiments, the heatingpads 154 and heating pads 156 of a single seat are configured to providea same or uniform amount of heat. In some embodiments, heating pads 154and heating pads 156 are independently operable, controllable, etc., toprovide differing amounts of heat to the user's torso or lower limbs. Itshould be understood that the heating provided to the user's torso orlower limbs by heating pads 154 and heating pads 156 may beindependently operated at each seat 102 so that seats 102 independentlyprovide differing amounts of heat, depending on a user's preference.

Each back portion 104 includes a back cushion (e.g., a pad, a foampiece, etc.), shown as back cushion 196. In some embodiments, heatingpads 156 are positioned within back cushion 196. In some embodiments,back cushion 196 is or includes multiple cushions. Back cushion 196 ispositioned within back portion liner 200, according to an exemplaryembodiment. In some embodiments, heating pads 156 are positioned withinback portion liner 200 directly adjacent back cushion 196 (e.g.,adjacent a front facing surface of back cushion 196). Back portion liner200 may be any of leather, canvas, polyester, polypropylene, nylon,acrylic, olefin, etc. In some embodiments, back portion liner 200 isconfigured to cover substantially an entire surface area of back cushion196.

Referring still to FIGS. 1-5, each seat portion 106 of seats 102 a-103 eincludes heating pads 164 (e.g., heaters, heating elements, etc.),according to an exemplary embodiment. Heating pads 164 may be the sametype of heating pads as heating pads 156 of back portion 104. Heatingpads 164 may be positioned within seat portion 106 and configured todissipate heat through seat portion 106 to provide the dissipated heatto a user. Heating pads 164 may be configured to operate similarly toheating pads 156 (e.g., in a high heating mode, a medium heating mode,and a low heating mode, etc.). Advantageously, the heat dissipated byheating pads 164 may be provided through seat portion 106 to lower limbs(e.g., thighs and lower legs) of a user. The heat received by the lowerlimbs of the user facilitate venous blood flow through the lower limbsof the user.

Each seat portion 106 includes a seat cushion (e.g., a pad, a foampiece, etc.), shown as seat cushion 198. In some embodiments, heatingpads 164 are positioned within seat cushion 198. In some embodiments,seat cushion 198 is or includes multiple cushions. Seat cushion 198 ispositioned within seat portion liner 202, according to an exemplaryembodiment. In some embodiments, heating pads 164 are positioned withinseat portion liner 202 directly adjacent seat cushion 198 (e.g.,adjacent a front facing surface of seat cushion 198). Seat portion liner202 may be any of leather, canvas, polyester, polypropylene, nylon,acrylic, olefin, etc. In some embodiments, seat portion liner 202 isconfigured to cover substantially an entire surface area of seat cushion198.

Adjustment interfaces 118 are configured to individually adjust at leastone of an amount or rate of heat dissipated by heating pads 164 and/orheating pads 164 of a corresponding seat 102, according to an exemplaryembodiment. For example, the user may provide an input at adjustmentinterface 118 to operate heating pads 156 in a high heating mode, aninput at adjustment interface 118 to operate heating pads 164 at amedium heating mode, an input at adjustment interface 118 to operateheating pads 164 at a low heating mode, etc. In some embodiments,adjustment interface 118 is configured to receive a temperature setpointfor each of back portion 104 (e.g., a temperature setpoint for heatingpads 156) and seat portion 106 (e.g., a temperature setpoint for heatingpads 164). In some embodiments, each of seats 102 a-102 e includes acorresponding adjustment interface 118, configured to adjust atemperature (e.g., a surface temperature) of any of heating pads 156 andheating pads 164 for the particular seat 102.

Seat and Back

Referring now to FIGS. 13-1 t 4, seat cushion 198 is shown in greaterdetail, according to an exemplary embodiment. Seat cushion 198 has agenerally square or rectangular shape with rounded corners. Seat cushion198 has a height 1302 and a length 1304. In some embodiments, height1302 is equal to length 1304, while in other embodiments, height 1302 isgreater than or less than length 1304. In an exemplary embodiment,height 1302 is equal to length 1304 and is 18 inches. Each of the fourcorners of seat cushion 198 are shown rounded. In an exemplaryembodiment, radius 1306 of the round of each corner is 3 inches. In anexemplary embodiment, seat cushion 198 is 3 inches thick.

Seat cushion 198 includes a foam piece 1406 and an insulation piece1404. In an exemplary embodiment, foam piece 1406 is a high-densitypolyurethane foam and insulation piece 1404 is Dacron insulation. Insome embodiments, heating pads 164 are positioned between foam piece1406 and insulation piece 1404. In other embodiments, heating pads 164are installed on an exterior surface of foam piece 1406. In someembodiments, heating pads 164 cover an entire exterior surface of foampiece 1406 (e.g., an entire front surface, an entire rear surface).

In some embodiments, seat cushion 198 is connected (e.g., adhered,upholstered, riveted, etc.) to a rigid support member, shown as rigidmember 1408. Rigid member 1408 may have the same profile as seat cushion198. In an exemplary embodiment, rigid member 1408 is made from wood.

Referring now to FIGS. 15-18, back cushion 196 is shown in greaterdetail, according to an exemplary embodiment. Back cushion 196 is anoverall rectangular shape having height 1502 and length 1504. In anexemplary embodiment, height 1502 is 19 inches and length 1504 is 17inches. Back cushion 196 is shown to include two rounded corners. Insome embodiments, the upper two corners of back cushion 196 are rounded.In other embodiments, all four corners of back cushion 196 are rounded.In an exemplary embodiment, the rounds have a radius 1506 of 3 inches.

In some embodiments, back cushion 196 is attached to a seat back 1500.Seat back 1500 may have a same general shape as back cushion 196 (e.g.,generally rectangular, same or similar dimensions, etc.). Seat back 1500includes a generally planar rigid member, shown as rigid member 1507. Inan exemplary embodiment, rigid member 1507 has a same profile as backcushion 196. In some embodiments, seat back 1500 includes an upholsterymember, shown as upholstery support piece 1508. In some embodiments,upholstery support piece 1508 runs along a perimeter of rigid member1507. In other embodiments, upholstery support piece 1508 runs along oneor more edges of a perimeter of rigid member 1507. In an exemplaryembodiment, both rigid member 1507 and upholstery support piece 1508 aremade from wood. In other embodiments, rigid member 1507 is made fromsteel, aluminum, or any other material which provides sufficientstructural strength.

Back cushion 196 may be connected to seat back 1500. In an exemplaryembodiment, back cushion 196 is adhered to seat back 1500. In otherembodiments, back cushion 196 is upholstered to seat back 1500. In someembodiments, back cushion 196 is both adhered to seat back 1500 andupholstered to seat back 1500 (e.g., both glued and riveted).

Back cushion 196 may include a foam piece 1700. In some embodiments,foam piece 1700 has a same profile, shape, perimeter, area, etc. as backcushion 196. Foam piece 1700 may be made of a medium-densitypolyurethane foam. In some embodiments, heating pads 156 are installedbelow a surface of foam piece 1700. In some embodiments, foam piece 1700includes a first rectangular piece 1510, a second rectangular piece1512, and two third rectangular pieces 1514. First rectangular piece1510, second rectangular piece 1512 and the two third rectangular pieces1514 are all three inches thick. First rectangular piece 1510 has alength of 17 inches and a height of 15 inches, according to an exemplaryembodiment. Second rectangular piece 1512 has a length of 17 inches anda height of 4 inches. Rectangular pieces 1514 have a length of 3 inchesand a height of 18 inches. Any of first rectangular piece 1510, secondrectangular piece 1512 and third rectangular pieces 1514 may be adheredto a surface of seat back 1500 as shown in FIG. 18.

Referring now to FIG. 29, a side sectional view of one of seats 102 isshown, according to an exemplary embodiment. Seat 102 includes a seatframe 2807 coupled to adjustable support member 110, back portion 104and seat portion 106. Seat portion 106 includes seat cushion 198connected to seat frame lower portion 2810. Back portion 104 includesback cushion 196 connected to seat frame upper portion 2808. Seat framelower portion 2810 is coupled (e.g., removably, fixedly, etc.) tomovable member 2802 of adjustable support member 110.

Seat frame lower portion 2810 and seat frame upper portion 2808 formangle 2812, according to an exemplary embodiment. Angle 2812 may begreater than 90 degrees. In an exemplary embodiment, angle 2812 is 105degrees. In other embodiments, angle 2812 is 115 degrees. In otherembodiments, angle 2812 is between 110 and 120 degrees. Angle 2812 maybe the same as or related to angle 152 and/or angle 708.

Seat cushion 198 includes insulation piece 1404, heating pads 164, foampiece 1406, and rigid member 1408, according to an exemplary embodiment.Rigid member 1408 is coupled to seat frame lower portion 2810. Foampiece 1406 is adhered and/or coupled (e.g., riveted) to rigid member1408. Heating pads 164 are disposed between insulation piece 1404 andfoam piece 1406. In some embodiments, heating pads 164 are disposedwithin (e.g., sub-flush) foam piece 1406. For example, foam piece 1406may include one or more apertures (e.g., rectangular apertures) definingan inner volume configured to receive heating pads 164. In someembodiments, an additional foam piece is disposed between heating pads164 and insulation piece 1404. In some embodiments, an additional foampiece is disposed at an exterior surface of insulation piece 1404. Insome embodiments, the additional foam piece disposed at the exteriorsurface of insulation piece 1404 has a same profile (e.g., area, shape,perimeter, etc.) as foam piece 1406 but is thinner (e.g., less thick, 2inches in thickness, 1 inch in thickness, etc.) than foam piece 1406.

Back cushion 196 includes seat back 1500, foam piece 1700, heating pads156, and an insulation piece 2804. In an exemplary embodiment, seat back1500 is connected to seat frame upper portion 2808 (e.g., removably,fixedly, with fasteners, etc.). Foam piece 1700 is adhered and/orcoupled to seat back 1500 (e.g., via a glue and/or rivets). Heating pads156 are disposed between insulation piece 2804 and foam piece 1700. Inan exemplary embodiment, insulation piece 2804 has a same profile asback cushion 196 and is manufactured from a same material as insulationpiece 1404. In some embodiments, back cushion 196 includes a back foampiece 2806. Back foam piece 2806 may be configured to provide cushioningso that seat frame upper portion 2808 does not protrude outwards fromback side 190 of seating assembly 100. In some embodiments, back foampiece 2806 is made from a high density or medium density polyurethanefoam. In some embodiments, heating pads 156 are configured similarly toheating pads 164. For example, an additional foam piece may bepositioned at an exterior surface of insulation piece 2804, or heatingpads 156 may be positioned within an aperture defining an inner volumeof foam piece 1700.

In some embodiments, seat 102 includes a storage member (e.g., acontainer, a shelf, etc.), shown as water bottle holder 2813. In someembodiments, water bottle holder 2813 is coupled (e.g., removably,fixedly, etc.) to seat frame upper portion 2808. In other embodiments,water bottle holder 2813 is coupled to seat frame lower portion 2810.Water bottle holder 2813 includes a support member 2816 and a containingmember 2814. Support member 2816 is coupled to seat frame upper portion2808 (or seat frame lower portion 2810) and produces a distance outwardfrom seat frame upper portion 2808. Containing member 2814 is configuredto hold, secure, grasp, contain, etc., one or more items and isconnected to support member 2816.

In an exemplary embodiment, back portion 104 and seat portion 106 arecovered with a vinyl, leather, or polyester covering. In someembodiments, the covering surrounds all exterior surfaces of backportion 104 and seat portion 106. The coverings may wrap around backportion 104 and seat portion 106 and be connected (e.g., by rivets,screws, etc.) to any of back foam piece 2806, rigid member 1408, andseat back 1500. In some embodiments, the covering is water proof suchthat perspiration from a user does not soak into seat cushion 198 and/orback cushion 196.

Seat Frame

Referring now to FIGS. 22-23, seat frame 2807 is shown in greaterdetail, according to an exemplary embodiment. Seat frame 2807 includesseat frame upper portion 2808 and seat frame lower portion 2810. Seatframe upper portion 2808 and seat frame lower portion 2810 define angle2812. In an exemplary embodiment, angle 2812 is 105 degrees. In otherembodiments, angle 2812 is 115 degrees. In other embodiments, angle 2812is between 110 and 120 degrees. Seat frame upper portion 2808 includesupper frame members (e.g., bars, beams, etc.), shown as upper tubularmembers 2212 and 2214. Seat frame lower portion 2810 includes lowerframe members (e.g., bars, beams, etc.), shown as lower tubular member2222 and 2220. Seat frame upper portion 2808 includes a cross member,shown as cross tubular member 2216. Cross tubular member 2216 extendsbetween upper tubular member 2212 and upper tubular member 2214. Crosstubular member 2216 provides structural support for upper tubular member2212 and upper tubular member 2214. Upper tubular member 2214 and uppertubular member 2212 are disposed a distance 2208 apart. In an exemplaryembodiment, distance 2208 is 16 inches. In an exemplary embodiment,upper tubular member 2214 and upper tubular member 2212 are parallel andhave a same profile. Upper tubular members 2214 and 2212 are connectedto lower tubular members 2220 and 2222 at corners 2224 and 2226,respectively. In an exemplary embodiment, cross tubular member 2216 isdisposed a distance 2210 from corners 2224/2226 along a centerline ofeither upper tubular member 2212 or upper tubular member 2214. In anexemplary embodiment, distance 2210 is 10 inches. Upper tubular members2212/2214 have an overall length 2206. In an exemplary embodiment,overall length 2206 is 16 inches.

Seat frame lower portion 2810 includes lower tubular member 2222 andlower tubular member 2220, according to an exemplary embodiment. Lowertubular member 2222 and lower tubular member 2220 are disposed distance2208 apart. Lower tubular member 2222 and lower tubular member 2220 havean overall length 2204. In an exemplary embodiment, length 2204 is 14.5inches. Seat frame lower portion 2810 includes a support plate shown assupport member 2218, according to an exemplary embodiment. Supportmember 2218 rests upon a top surface of lower tubular member 2220 and2222 and extends between lower tubular member 2222 and 2220. Supportmember 2218 is configured to provide a surface for a user to sit uponand a surface to connect to rigid member 2408. In an exemplaryembodiment, support member 2218 includes one or more connectioninterfaces 2228 configured to facilitate connection between rigid member2408 and seat frame 2807. Likewise, upper tubular members 2214 and 2212include one or more connection interface 2230 to facilitate connectionbetween seat back 1500 and seat frame 2807. In some embodiments, supportmember 2218 is a steel plate. In an exemplary embodiment, support member2218 is a 7 inch by 16-inch steel plate. Any of the connections (e.g.,between cross tubular member 2216 and upper tubular members 2214/2212and/or between upper tubular members 2214/2212 and lower tubular members2220/2222 and/or between support member 2218 and lower tubular members2220/2222) are welded connections.

In an exemplary embodiment, upper tubular members 2214/2212 and lowertubular members 2220/2222 are generally square steel tubing. In someembodiments, upper tubular members 2214/2212 and lower tubular members2220/2222 are straight steel members having an internal volume extendingthrough an entire length. In other embodiments, upper tubular members2214/2212 and lower tubular members 2220/2222 are square steel tubularmembers. In other embodiments, upper tubular members 2214/2212 and lowertubular members 2220/2222 are square steel tubular members havingrounded corners. In an exemplary embodiment, upper tubular members2214/2212 and lower tubular members 2220/2222 are 1 inch by 1-inchsquare steel tubing.

Support Frame

Referring now to FIGS. 19-21, support frame 2817 is shown in greaterdetail, according to an exemplary embodiment. Support frame 2817includes five seat support members 2818, configured to support seats 102a-102 e. Support frame 2817 includes central support member 2811, sidesupport members 2822, cross support member 2826, and outer supportmember 2824. In an exemplary embodiment, central support member 2811,side support members 2822, cross support member 2826, and outer supportmember 2824 have dimensions and configuration as shown in FIGS. 20-21where the dimensions are in units of inches. In an exemplary embodiment,support frame 2817 is contained within a housing. In some embodiments,the housing and support frame 2817 define base 108.

Heating Elements

Referring now to FIGS. 24-25 and 27-28, the configuration and functionof heating pads 156/164 is shown in greater detail, according to anexemplary embodiment. Heating pads 156/164 are positioned eitheradjacent an exterior surface of seat cushion 198/back cushion 196 orwithin seat cushion 198/back cushion 196, respectively. Heating pads 156are configured to provide heat to a torso of a user, and heating pads164 are configured to provide heat to lower limbs of the user. Heatingpads 156 are provided with electrical energy through cords 2302,according to an exemplary embodiment. Cords 2302 may run through aninner volume of any tubular members of seat frame 2807. In an exemplaryembodiment, controller 2400 provides heating pads 156 with power viacords 2302 and/or heating pads 164 with power via cords 2402. Cords 2402electrically and communicably connect controller 2400 with heating pads164. In an exemplary embodiment, cords 2402 run through an inner volumeof tubular members of seat frame 2807 to controller 2400. In anexemplary embodiment, controller 2400 receives power through cords whichrun through support frame 2817.

FIG. 25 shows a bottom view of one of seats 102, according to anexemplary embodiment. Controller 2400 may be contained within a housingmounted to a bottom surface of seat 102. Controller 2400 is configuredto adjust an operation of the corresponding adjustable support member110 for seat 102 as well as an amount of heat/a rate of heat produced byheating pads 164 and heating pads 156.

FIG. 27 shows a graph 2700 which illustrates heat output (i.e., surfacetemperature) of either heating pads 156 or heating pads 164, accordingto an exemplary embodiment. Controller 2400 is configured to transitionheating pads 164 between an on state and an off state. Series 2702illustrates the change in temperature of heating pads 156 and/or heatingpads 164. The Y-axis of graph 2700 represents temperature, and theX-axis represents time in minutes. Series 2702 represents operation ofheating pads 156 and/or heating pads 164 in a high heating mode ofoperation. As shown in graph 2700, series 2702 increases to a maximumtemperature for approximately 10 minutes. Controller 2400 actuatesheating pads 156 and/or heating pads 164 between the on state and theoff state to maintain temperature at approximately the maximumtemperature, as shown in graph 2700. Controller 2400 operates similarlyfor any of the medium heating mode and the low heating mode.

FIG. 28 shows an electrical diagram 2800 for controller 2400, accordingto an exemplary embodiment. Controller 2400 receives temperaturefeedback from a temperature sensor. The temperature sensor is configuredto measure temperature of either one of or both heating pads 156 andheating pads 164 and provide controller 2400 with the measuredtemperature values, according to an exemplary embodiment. Controller2400 receives power from a power cord which receives power from a powersource (e.g., a wall outlet, a generator). The power received bycontroller 2400 may be 120 volt AC power. Controller 2400 may include a10 amp fuse to ensure that controller 2400 does not experience surges inpower from the power source. Controller 2400 uses any of the powersupplied by the power source to adjust an operation of adjustablesupport members 110 to increase or decrease in length and to adjust anoperation of at least one of heating pads 156 and heating pads 164 toincrease or decrease a temperature and/or a heat produced by heatingpads 156 and/or heating pads 164. In some embodiments, cords which areused to connect controller 2400 to any devices, systems, sensors, etc.,of seating assembly 100 pass through inner volumes of one or moretubular members of seating assembly 100.

Referring to FIGS. 28-29, controller 2400 may monitor the status (e.g.,the temperature) of heating pads 156/164. Controller 2400 may include apower interface 3008 configured to receive power from a power source andprovide power (e.g., DC power) to heating pads 156/164 and/or adjustablesupport members 110. Controller 2400 may also include a transformerconfigured to step up or step down voltage of power provided to heatingpads 156/164 and/or adjustable support members 110. Controller 2400 mayalso include a processing circuit 3002 configured to perform any of thefunctions of controller 2400 described herein. Controller 2400 alsoincludes a communications interface 3010 (e.g., a USB interface, aserial communications interface, etc.) configured to receive informationfrom any temperature sensors, height sensors, user input devices, etc.Controller 2400 may use the received temperature information and/orcommands from the input devices to determine whether to adjust anoperation of heating pads 156 and/or heating pads 164, according to anexemplary embodiment. For example, controller 2400 may receive a commandfrom the user interface to increase heat or a temperature of heatingpads 156 and/or heating pads 164. Controller 2400 may use the commandreceived from the user interface device to adjust an operation ofheating pads 156 and/or heating pads 164 to increase the temperature. Inan exemplary embodiment, controller 2400 may receive a command totransition heating pas 156 and/or heating pads 164 between variouspredefined modes of operation (e.g., high heating mode, medium heatingmode, low heating mode, etc.).

Processing circuit 3002 may include a processor 3004 and memory 3006.Processor 3004 may be a general purpose or specific purpose processor,an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), one or more fieldprogrammable gate arrays (FPGAs), a group of processing components, orother suitable processing components. Processor 3004 may be configuredto execute computer code or instructions stored in memory or receivedfrom other computer readable media (e.g., CDROM, network storage, aremote server, etc.).

Memory 3006 may include one or more devices (e.g., memory units, memorydevices, storage devices, etc.) for storing data and/or computer codefor completing and/or facilitating the various processes described inthe present disclosure. Memory 3006 may include random access memory(RAM), read-only memory (ROM), hard drive storage, temporary storage,non-volatile memory, flash memory, optical memory, or any other suitablememory for storing software objects and/or computer instructions. Memory3006 may include database components, object code components, scriptcomponents, or any other type of information structure for supportingthe various activities and information structures described in thepresent disclosure. Memory 3006 may be communicably connected toprocessor 3004 via processing circuit 3002 and may include computer codefor executing (e.g., by processor 3004) one or more processes describedherein.

In some embodiments, any of the electrical components, elements,members, etc., (e.g., controller 2400, heating pads 154, heating pads156, prime mover 2819, screens 162, etc.) are configured to draw powerfrom a power system or a cord that extends through base 108 (e.g.,through support frame 2817). The cord may be plugged into a wall outletor other power source to provide electrical energy to the variouselectrical components or electrical consuming elements of seatingassembly 100. If multiple seating assemblies 100 are arranged next toeach other, the seating assemblies 100 may each be plugged into a walloutlet, or other power source, or may be plugged into each other (e.g.,serially), with one of the seating assemblies 100 being plugged into asingle wall outlet or other power source.

Control Panel

Referring now to FIG. 26, one of adjustment interfaces 118 is shown ingreater detail, according to an exemplary embodiment. Adjustmentinterface 118 includes a first user interface 2602 and a second userinterface 2604. In some embodiments, adjustment interface 118 is acomponent of controller 2400. Adjustment interface 118 may be positionedat base 108, or at a bottom of seat 102. Controller 2400 receives userinputs via adjustment interface 118. For example, controller 2400 mayreceive commands from user interfaces 2602 and 2604 to start controller2400 (e.g., by pressing power on button 2608), increase the temperature(e.g., by pressing increase button 2610), decrease the temperature(e.g., by pressing decrease button 2614), or to select an operation ofcontroller 2400 (e.g., by pressing selection button 2612). In anexemplary embodiment, heat provided to the torso (e.g., via heating pads156) and to the lower limbs (e.g., via heating pads 164) can beindividually adjusted via user interface 2602 and user interface 2604,respectively. For example, user interface 2602 may be configured toadjust an operation of heating pads 156, and user interface 2604 may beconfigured to adjust an operation of heating pads 164 (i.e., increase ordecrease temperature by some amount). In other embodiments, only oneuser interface is used, and the single user interface is configured toadjust the operation of both heating pads 164 and heating pads 156simultaneously.

User interfaces 2602 and 2604 also include a display screen 2606,according to an exemplary embodiment. Display screen is configured todisplay a current temperature or heat produced by either one of or bothheating pads 156 and heating pads 164. For example, display screen 2606may display a current temperature produced by heating pads 156 and/orheating pads 164.

The current temperature may be measured by a single or multipletemperature sensors. The temperature sensor(s) may be installed withinseat portion 106 and/or back portion 104. In an exemplary embodiment,display screen 2606 displays a current temperature as measured by thesingle or multiple temperatures. In some embodiments, display screen2606 displays a temperature setpoint which controller 2400 is set toachieve. The temperatures as measured by the temperature sensor(s) canbe used by controller 2400 as feedback to determine when to transitionheating pads 156 and/or heating pads 164 between the on state and theoff state to maintain a current temperature setpoint. For example, ifthe temperature setpoint is 110 degrees Fahrenheit, controller 2400provides heating pads 164 and/or heating pads 156 with power until thetemperature measured by corresponding temperature sensors is thesetpoint. Controller 2400 then cuts off power to heating pads 156 and/orheating pads 164. Once the measured temperature decreases apredetermined threshold amount below the temperature setpoint (e.g., 1degree Fahrenheit below 110 degrees Fahrenheit), controller 2400 resumesproviding heating pads 156 and/or heating pads 164 with power. Thisprocess can be repeated to maintain an average setpoint temperature overa time period.

Adjustable Support Members

Referring again to FIG. 29, adjustable support member 110 is shown ingreater detail, according to an exemplary embodiment. Adjustable supportmember 110 may be configured to adjust in height. In some embodiments,adjustable support member 110 includes movable member 2802 and seatsupport member 2818. Movable member 2802 is configured to move (e.g.,translate relative to seat support member 2818 to increase or decreasean overall height of adjustable support member 110. In some embodiments,movable member 2802 is configured to move relative to seat supportmember 2818 in response to a manual input from a user via adjustmentlever 2902. In some embodiments, adjustable support member 110 is amanual system, which does not require controller 2400 to operate. Forexample, adjustable support member 110 may be a gas-charged spring,configured to facilitate movement of movable member 2802 relative toseat support member 2818 in response to an actuation of adjustment lever2902. In other embodiments, adjustable support member 110 is configuredto adjust in overall length due to an operation of a prime mover (e.g.,an electric motor, a hydraulic system, etc.), shown as prime mover 2819.In some embodiments, prime mover 2819 is configured to move (e.g.,translate) movable member 2802 relative to seat support member 2818. Insome embodiments, prime mover 2819 adjusts an overall length ofadjustable support member 110 in response to a user input. The userinput may be received by controller 2400 via adjustment interface 118.Controller 2400 may receive the user input (e.g., a command to increaseoverall height of adjustable support member 110 or to decrease overallheight of adjustable support member 110) and cause prime mover 2819 toadjust the overall height of adjustable support member 110 bytranslating movable member 2802 relative to seat support member 2818.

In some embodiments, movable member 2802 is or includes a piston,configured to slidingly interface within a surface of an inner volume ofseat support member 2818. In other embodiments, movable member 2802 isconfigured to interface with seat support member 2818 via any of agroove, track, notch, etc., which runs along a length of movable member2802 and/or seat support member 2818. For example, movable member 2802or seat support member 2818 may include one or more protrusions whichrun along a length of movable member 2802 or seat support member 2818and are configured to interface with a corresponding track or groove ofmovable member 2802 or seat support member 2818.

In some embodiments, movable member 2802 can translate relative to seatsupport member 2818 a distance of 10 inches or greater. In someembodiments, movable member 2802 being configured to translate relativeto seat support member 2818 facilitates changing (e.g. increasing ordecreasing) distance 2820 at least 10 inches. In some embodiments,distance 2820 between an upper surface of seat portion 106 and a floorsurface upon which base 108 rests is at least 18 inches. Advantageously,seat 102 being configured to increase in height (e.g., distance 2820) 10inches or greater facilitates an optimal popliteal distance (e.g.,popliteal height 716) for a tall user (e.g., a basketball player). Thisreduces the likelihood of restricted venous blood flow which may occurif the popliteal distance is too small, particularly for tall athletessuch as basketball players.

Performance Testing

Seating assembly 100 advantageously increases venous blood flow to thetrunk/torso and lower limbs of one or more users, according to anexemplary embodiment. Seating assembly 100 includes adjustable heightand adjustable heating to both facilitate adjusting angles 708 and 715,as well as to provide some amount of heat to the user. Both adjustingangles 708 and 715 as well as providing some amount of heat to the oneor more users facilitates venous blood flow of the one or more users.Advantageously, if seating assembly 100 is used in a sportingapplication or for any other users who will be exercising/exertingthemselves, the increased venous blood flow facilitates betterperformance of the users in the sporting event. Seating assembly 100 mayfacilitate players maintaining metabolic homeostasis better than otherbench chairs/seating assemblies which do not include adjustable heatingand adjustable height. Referring to FIGS. 8-12, graphs 800-1200demonstrate advantages of the adjustable height/heating seating assembly100 versus other seats which do not have adjustable heat and adjustableheight, according to an exemplary embodiment. Graphs 800-1200 illustratetest results of sixteen basketball players, demonstrating that seatingassembly 100 improves shuttle run time, vertical jump distance, skintemperature, and heart rate as compared to a control seating assemblywhich does not include adjustable height and adjustable heating. First,the sixteen basketball players warmed up (stretching, jogging, etc.).

Next, the players performed a shuttle run, and the amount of time foreach player to complete the shuttle run was recorded (t_(i,control)).After a 10 second break, the players each performed three vertical jumpswith five seconds of rest in between each jump. The height of each jumpwas recorded using a Vertec vertical jump apparatus and an average jumpheight (h_(i,control)) was determined. After the vertical jumps werecompleted, skin temperature of each of the players was measured(T_(i,control)). The skin temperature was measured at the hamstring ofeach player. Then, the heart rate (r_(i,control)) of each player wasrecorded over ten seconds (taken at the neck). The players then restedin the control seating assembly for 10 minutes. The testing was thenperformed again after the players had rested in the control seatingassembly for 10 minutes to determine final values of the amount of timefor each player to complete the shuttle run t_(f,control), average jumpheight h_(f,control), skin temperature T_(f,control), and heart rater_(f,control). Using the information from before and after resting inthe control seating assembly, a percent increase (or decrease) isdetermined for the control seating assembly.

Similar tests were performed for seating assembly 100. The playersadjusted seats 102 of seating assembly 100 to a comfortable height suchthat angle 714 of each player was equal to or greater than 90 degrees.The same testing was performed for seating assembly 100 as the controlseating assembly to determine t_(i,test), t_(f,test), h_(i,test),h_(f,test), T_(i,test), T_(f,test), r_(i,test), and r_(f,test). Usingthe test results from before the ten-minute rest period and after theten-minute rest period, percent increase (or decrease) for seatingassembly 100 can be determined.

Graphs 800-1100 show the percent improvement for each of the 16 players.In graph 800, series 802 represents percent improvement of the shuttlerun time for the control seating assembly and series 804 representspercent improvement of the shuttle run time for seating assembly 100.Likewise, in graph 900, series 902 represents percent improvement of thevertical jump height for the control seating assembly and series 904represents percent improvement of the vertical jump height for seatingassembly 100. In graph 1000, series 1002 represents percent improvementof skin temperature for the control seating assembly and series 1004represents percent improvement of skin temperature for seating assembly100. In graph 1100, series 1102 represents percent improvement of heartrate for the control seating assembly and series 1104 represents percentimprovement of heart rate for seating assembly 100.

Graphs 800-1100 demonstrate a large amount of variation. In order toquantify if seating assembly 100 improves any of the shuttle run time,the average vertical jump height, skin temperature, and heart rate, anANOVA test can be performed. FIG. 12 includes graph 1200 which showsaverage percent improvement and standard deviations for both the controlseating assembly and seating assembly 100, according to someembodiments. Series 1202 of graph 1200 illustrates average percentimprovement for the control seating assembly for each of shuttle runtime, average vertical jump height, skin temperature, and heart rate.Series 1204 of graph 1200 illustrates average percent improvement forseating assembly 100 for each of shuttle run time, average vertical jumpheight, skin temperature, and heart rate. Graph 1200 shows series 1204having a larger percent improvement than series 1202 for each of theshuttle run time, the average vertical jump height, skin temperature,and heart rate. For example, for the shuttle run time, the controlseating assembly (series 1202) resulted in a negative percentimprovement, while seating assembly 100 resulted in a positive percentimprovement.

The results of both a MANOVA test, as well as individual ANOVA test foreach performance measure (shuttle run time, average vertical jumpheight, skin temperature, and heart rate) is shown in Table 1 below:

TABLE 1 Confidence Hypothesis Test α Interval p-value Conclusion One-wayMANOVA 0.1 90% 0.011 Statistically significant One-way ANOVA - 0.1 90%0.008 Statistically Shuttle Run significant One-way ANOVA - 0.1 90%0.086 Statistically Vertical Jump significant One-way ANOVA - 0.1 90%0.019 Statistically Skin Temperature significant One-way ANOVA - 0.1 90%0.019 Statistically Heart Rate significant

As shown in Table 1 above, there is a statistically significantdifference between the percent improvement for each of the shuttle runtime, the average vertical jump height, skin temperature, and heart ratefor seating assembly 100. The percent improvement shows that seatingassembly 100 improves metabolic homeostasis by both providing heat tothe players, as well as facilitating more venous blood flow due toimproved angle 714 and angle 708. Additionally, some seating assembliessuch as the control seating assembly do not facilitate improved angle714 and angle 708. This may result in restricted blood flow and adecreased amount of venous blood flow to lower limbs particularly. Asshown in FIGS. 8-12, seating assembly 100 advantageously improvesmetabolic homeostasis and can improve athletic performance.

Configuration of Exemplary Embodiments

As utilized herein, the terms “approximately,” “about,” “substantially,”and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony withthe common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art towhich the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. It should beunderstood by those of skill in the art who review this disclosure thatthese terms are intended to allow a description of certain featuresdescribed and claimed without restricting the scope of these features tothe precise numerical ranges provided. Accordingly, these terms shouldbe interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequentialmodifications or alterations of the subject matter described and claimedare considered to be within the scope of the disclosure as recited inthe appended claims.

It should be noted that the term “exemplary” and variations thereof, asused herein to describe various embodiments, are intended to indicatethat such embodiments are possible examples, representations, and/orillustrations of possible embodiments (and such terms are not intendedto connote that such embodiments are necessarily extraordinary orsuperlative examples).

The term “coupled,” as used herein, means the joining of two membersdirectly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary(e.g., permanent or fixed) or moveable (e.g., removable or releasable).Such joining may be achieved with the two members coupled directly toeach other, with the two members coupled to each other using a separateintervening member and any additional intermediate members coupled withone another, or with the two members coupled to each other using anintervening member that is integrally formed as a single unitary bodywith one of the two members. Such members may be coupled mechanically,electrically, and/or fluidly.

The term “or,” as used herein, is used in its inclusive sense (and notin its exclusive sense) so that when used to connect a list of elements,the term “or” means one, some, or all of the elements in the list.Conjunctive language such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, and Z,”unless specifically stated otherwise, is understood to convey that anelement may be either X, Y, Z; X and Y; X and Z; Y and Z; or X, Y, and Z(i.e., any combination of X, Y, and Z). Thus, such conjunctive languageis not generally intended to imply that certain embodiments require atleast one of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z to each bepresent, unless otherwise indicated.

References herein to the positions of elements (e.g., “top,” “bottom,”“above,” “below,” etc.) are merely used to describe the orientation ofvarious elements in the FIGURES. It should be noted that the orientationof various elements may differ according to other exemplary embodiments,and that such variations are intended to be encompassed by the presentdisclosure.

The hardware and data processing components used to implement thevarious processes, operations, illustrative logics, logical blocks,modules and circuits described in connection with the embodimentsdisclosed herein may be implemented or performed with a general purposesingle- or multi-chip processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), anapplication specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmablegate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic device, discrete gate ortransistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combinationthereof designed to perform the functions described herein. A generalpurpose processor may be a microprocessor, or, any conventionalprocessor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. A processoralso may be implemented as a combination of computing devices, such as acombination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality ofmicroprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSPcore, or any other such configuration. In some embodiments, particularprocesses and methods may be performed by circuitry that is specific toa given function. The memory (e.g., memory, memory unit, storage device,etc.) may include one or more devices (e.g., RAM, ROM, Flash memory,hard disk storage, etc.) for storing data and/or computer code forcompleting or facilitating the various processes, layers and modulesdescribed in the present disclosure. The memory may be or includevolatile memory or non-volatile memory, and may include databasecomponents, object code components, script components, or any other typeof information structure for supporting the various activities andinformation structures described in the present disclosure. According toan exemplary embodiment, the memory is communicably connected to theprocessor via a processing circuit and includes computer code forexecuting (e.g., by the processing circuit and/or the processor) the oneor more processes described herein.

The present disclosure contemplates methods, systems and programproducts on any machine-readable media for accomplishing variousoperations. The embodiments of the present disclosure may be implementedusing existing computer processors, or by a special purpose computerprocessor for an appropriate system, incorporated for this or anotherpurpose, or by a hardwired system. Embodiments within the scope of thepresent disclosure include program products comprising machine-readablemedia for carrying or having machine-executable instructions or datastructures stored thereon. Such machine-readable media can be anyavailable media that can be accessed by a general purpose or specialpurpose computer or other machine with a processor. By way of example,such machine-readable media can comprise RAM, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, orother optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magneticstorage devices, or any other medium which can be used to carry or storedesired program code in the form of machine-executable instructions ordata structures and which can be accessed by a general purpose orspecial purpose computer or other machine with a processor. Combinationsof the above are also included within the scope of machine-readablemedia. Machine-executable instructions include, for example,instructions and data which cause a general purpose computer, specialpurpose computer, or special purpose processing machines to perform acertain function or group of functions.

Although the figures and description may illustrate a specific order ofmethod steps, the order of such steps may differ from what is depictedand described, unless specified differently above. Also, two or moresteps may be performed concurrently or with partial concurrence, unlessspecified differently above. Such variation may depend, for example, onthe software and hardware systems chosen and on designer choice. Allsuch variations are within the scope of the disclosure. Likewise,software implementations of the described methods could be accomplishedwith standard programming techniques with rule-based logic and otherlogic to accomplish the various connection steps, processing steps,comparison steps, and decision steps.

It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of thefire suppression system as shown in the various exemplary embodiments isillustrative only. Although only a few embodiments have been describedin detail in this disclosure, many modifications are possible (e.g.,variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions ofthe various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, useof materials, colors, orientations, etc.). For example, the position ofelements may be reversed or otherwise varied and the nature or number ofdiscrete elements or positions may be altered or varied. Accordingly,all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope ofthe present disclosure. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, andomissions may be made in the design, operating conditions andarrangement of the exemplary embodiments without departing from thescope of the present disclosure.

Additionally, any element disclosed in one embodiment may beincorporated or utilized with any other embodiment disclosed herein. Forexample, the adjustment interface 118 as described with reference toFIG. 26 may be implemented in the embodiment of seat 102 as describedwith reference to FIG. 24. Although only one example of an element fromone embodiment that can be incorporated or utilized in anotherembodiment has been described above, it should be appreciated that otherelements of the various embodiments may be incorporated or utilized withany of the other embodiments disclosed herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A seating assembly for one or more athletes, theseating assembly comprising: a movable base; a plurality of seatscoupled to the movable base, each seat of the plurality of seatscomprising: a back portion including a back heating member configured toprovide heat to a torso of a user; a seat portion including a lower limbheating member configured to provide heat to lower limbs of the user; anadjustable element fixedly coupled to the movable base at one end andcoupled to the seat portion at an opposite end and configured to adjusta height of the seat relative to the movable base; a user interfacedevice configured to receive an input regarding a desired temperature ofat least one of the back heating member and the lower limb heatingmember; and a controller configured to receive the input and adjust anoperation of at least one of the back heating member and the lower limbheating member to achieve the desired temperature; wherein the userinterface device is further configured to receive a second input toadjust the height of the seat relative to the movable base.
 2. Theseating assembly of claim 1, wherein the back portion and the seatportion of each of the plurality of seats form an angle greater thanninety degrees to facilitate venous blood flow to lower limbs of theuser.
 3. The seating assembly of claim 2, wherein the angle formed bythe back portion and the seat portion is between 110 and 120 degrees. 4.The seating assembly of claim 1, wherein the heat provided to the torsoand the heat provided to lower limbs is provided at a temperature valuebetween 38 and 45 degrees Celsius to facilitate venous blood flow of atleast one of the torso and the lower limbs of the user and to facilitatemaintaining a specific muscle temperature of the user.
 5. The seatingassembly of claim 1, wherein the back heating member and the lower limbheating member are configured to operate according to a maximum heatingmode of operation, a medium heating mode of operation, and a low heatingmode of operation.
 6. The seating assembly of claim 1, wherein the backheating member is positioned within a cushion of the back portion andthe lower limb heating member is positioned within a cushion of the seatportion.
 7. The seating assembly of claim 1, wherein each of theplurality of seats is configured to increase in height relative to afloor surface at least ten inches to facilitate a popliteal height of atleast 18 inches of a user.
 8. The seating assembly of claim 1, whereinthe adjustable element includes a prime mover configured to adjust theheight of the seat relative to the movable base, wherein the prime moveris any of an electric motor or a hydraulic system.
 9. A seating assemblyfor one or more athletes, the seating assembly comprising: a movablebase; a plurality of seats coupled to the movable base, each of theplurality of seats comprising: a back portion comprising a back cushionand a back heating element positioned within the back cushion, whereinthe back heating element and the back cushion are configured to transferheat to a torso of a user; a seat portion comprising a seat cushion anda seat heating element positioned within the seat cushion, wherein theseat heating element and the seat cushion are configured to transferheat to lower limbs of the user; and a controller configured to receivean input regarding a desired temperature of at least one of the backheating element and the seat heating element and further configured tooperate the back heating element and the seat heating element; a supportmember coupled to the seat portion and the base and configured to enableadjustment the seat relative to the movable base; wherein a height ofeach seat is adjustable to maintain a popliteal height of at least 18inches of the user.
 10. The seating assembly of claim 9, wherein theback heating element and the seat heating element are configured tooperate according to a maximum heating mode of operation, a mediumheating mode of operation, and a low heating mode of operation.
 11. Theseating assembly of claim 9, wherein each seat is configured to adjustin height at least 10 inches between a minimum height and a maximumheight.
 12. The seating assembly of claim 9, the movable base furthercomprising a plurality of openings configured to receive one or moreelongated members of a transportation mechanism for movement of theseating assembly.
 13. The seating assembly of claim 9, wherein the backportion and the seat portion of each seat form an angle greater thanninety degrees to facilitate venous blood flow to the lower limbs of theuser.
 14. The seating assembly of claim 13, wherein the angle is between110 and 120 degrees.
 15. The seating assembly of claim 9, wherein theback heating element is configured to heat the torso of the user to atemperature between 38 and 45 degrees Celsius to facilitate venous bloodflow to the torso of the user and the seat heating element is configuredto heat the lower limbs of the user to a temperature between 38 and 45degrees Celsius to facilitate venous blood flow to the lower limbs ofthe user.
 16. A method for installing and operating a seating assemblywith adjustable heating and adjustable height, the method comprising:providing a seating assembly comprising a plurality of seats coupled toa movable base, wherein each of the plurality of seats is configured toprovide adjustable heating and adjustable height for a user; positioningthe seating assembly in a desired location; connecting the seatingassembly to a power source for the adjustable heating and the adjustableheight of each of the plurality of seats; receiving a command of anadjustment of height and heat from a user interface of at least one ofthe plurality of seats; adjusting an amount of heat provided to the uservia one or more heating pads disposed within a back portion and a seatportion of the seat of one of the plurality of seats based on a receivedheat command; and adjusting a height of at least one of the seats basedon a received height command, wherein adjusting the height of the seatcomprises increasing a distance between the seat portion and a floorsurface between a minimum value of the distance and a maximum value ofthe distance.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the back portion andthe seat portion of each of the plurality of seats form an angle greaterthan ninety degrees.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the angleformed by the back portion and the seat portion is between 110 and 120degrees to improve venous blood flow to lower limbs of the user.
 19. Themethod of claim 16, wherein the heat provided to the user is provided toheat at least one of the torso and the lower limbs of the user to atemperature between 38 and 45 degrees Celsius to facilitate venous bloodflow.
 20. The method of claim 16, further comprising inserting one ormore fork members into one or more apertures of the movable base of theseating assembly; and lifting the seating assembly via the one or morefork members inserted into the one or more apertures of the movable baseof the seating assembly for removal and placement of the seatingassembly.